Arrest made in Sarasota fatal stabbing

SARASOTA, FL. - A suspect has been arrested in connection to a fatal stabbing in front of a Sarasota mobile home park Wednesday night.

On Wednesday around 7p.m., Sarasota Police responded to a report of an unconscious male bleeding in the roadway, 1500 block of N. Orange Avenue.

Responding officers located 28-year-old Jesus Espinosa, who had sustained life-threatening injuries. Emergency medical personnel responded to treat him; however he died of his injuries. The death has been classified as a Homicide.

An officer contacted a person of interest, 29-year-old Mauro Morales, in this case. The initial contact was made by telephone, while he was driving north into Hillsborough County. The officer persuaded Morales to stop the vehicle, provide officers his exact location, and stand by until law enforcement officers could arrive at that location.

After interviewing Morales and conducting additional investigation, Sarasota Police detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Mauro Morales with second degree Murder. He was arrested on the warrant in Hillsborough County. He remains in custody in Hillsborough County Jail.

Chief DiPino commends and credits the effective communication skills of these officers talking Morales into stopping and remaining at the location until emergency personnel arrived on the scene.

Anyone with information about this Homicide investigation is asked to contact Detective DeFrancisco at 941-954-7070. The investigation is continuing.